Uzbekistan Launches New Aviation Safety Program with Support from ICAO and Partners

A significant initiative to enhance Uzbekistan's aviation safety capabilities took a significant step forward on 18 June 2024, with the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Review Board (SRB) for Uzbekistan's Country Strategic Plan of Action (COSPA) pilot programme. This targeted initiative, developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aims to improve aviation safety in this landlocked nation, which relies heavily on a safe and secure air transport network for its connectivity and economic development.

The meeting held at the ICAO European and North Atlantic (EUR/NAT) Regional Office in Paris was chaired by ICAO Regional Director, Mr. Nicolas Rallo. It brought together Government officials from Uzbekistan and ICAO, along with representatives from key aviation stakeholders including:

• France’s Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) and the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA)
• United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) 
• Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe)
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Airbus
• Boeing
• World Bank

Uzbekistan's COSPA is designed to significantly improve the State's performance in safety planning, oversight, accident and incident investigation, safety management, and operational safety. This tailored approach supports the sustainable socio-economic development of Uzbekistan by prioritizing aviation safety needs through a three-year plan.

Mr. Rallo emphasized the programme's importance: "The COSPA initiative represents a new strategic and collaborative approach, in line with ICAO’s implementation support policy. By bringing together global expertise and resources, we are not just improving Uzbekistan's aviation sector – we are unlocking the potential of partnerships and are creating a model that can elevate aviation safety in other States."

Key outcomes of the meeting included:

1. Acceptance of the initial version of the COSPA
2. Endorsement of several initial actions
3. A call for action addressed to Uzbekistan, including to make the best possible use of available industry programmes
4. Unanimous recognition of COSPA's potential to enhance convergence, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability in capacity development activities.

To implement the programme, a technical coordination team will be formed to manage activities under a Collaborative Implementation Support Roadmap (CISRO), an online tool overseen by ICAO and COSPA Partners.

The COSPA programme welcomes additional partners, with similar initiatives expected for other States aiming to improve their aviation safety and capacity development frameworks.

For more information on the COSPA programme, or to explore involvement opportunities, interested parties can contact their corresponding Regional Office.